The Grüne Gewölbe, or Green Vault, in Dresden, Germany, has announced that its exhibition of historical gems and relics is reopening to the public after being closed due to a high-profile theft in 2019. The jewels, valued at $123 million, have been recovered and will be displayed in their original condition, with minor damage that is barely visible but requires restoration.

Marion Ackermann, director general of the Dresden State Art Collections, expressed her gratitude to the regional court system for allowing the returned items to be exhibited once again. She emphasized that the jewels will be presented exactly as they were returned, showcasing the historical significance and craftsmanship despite their need for restoration.

In 2019, two criminal clans from Berlin targeted the cultural heritage of the Grüne Gewölbe, sparking outrage among the German public and initiating a massive hunt for the stolen jewels and artifacts. The thieves entered the museum's Jewel Room during the nighttime break-in, using what appeared to be a hatchet or small ax to smash display cases. They made off with an array of historical valuables, including a breast star of the Polish Order of the White Eagle adorned with diamonds and a diamond-covered sword.

Authorities managed to recover a portion of the stolen goods, including the two mentioned items, in Berlin during late 2022. However, other treasures, such as a large breast bow of Queen Amalie Auguste, made of 611 small diamonds, silver, and gold, as well as an epaulet featuring the so-called Saxon White diamond, remain missing.

Last year, five men were sentenced to several years in prison for their involvement in the robbery. They admitted to setting fire to a nearby circuit breaker panel to cut power in the area and using a hydraulic cutting machine to break into the museum. These individuals belong to the Remmo Clan, a family crime network with Arab roots that has been linked to other robberies in the past.

Ackermann revealed that an international commission of experts will be convened to discuss the restoration process for the recovered jewels. She emphasized the uniqueness of the baroque jewelry ensemble displayed in the jewelry room, expressing hope that the remaining jewels will eventually be exhibited in the Green Vault once again.

The Grüne Gewölbe, housed in Dresden's Royal Palace, was initially established by August the Strong, the Saxon elector who later became the king of Poland, between 1723 and 1729. The museum was designed to showcase precious metals, ornate art, and other valuable objects amassed during his reign. The recent reopening marks a significant milestone in preserving and celebrating this historical collection.